El Ranchero

Great food, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Always consistent and worth coming back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

To start, the server didn't check on us more than twice during our dinner. Food was ok. Drinks were watery (margaritas on the rocks) either the bar tender was new or the server taking too long to bring drinks out.

I saw her taking margaritas to other tables and they looked the same (all water down drinks).

Please treat everyone the same and provide the same great service to everyone not just to white people. (I could tell they treat us differently).

If the bar tender is new, he needs to do better. Or if the problem is the server, she needs to improve 😩

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

I did a take out on Sunday November 30, 2025 as myself and daughter had a taste for tacos. I suggested this place as previous visit over the years food was good. I placed three orders
of combination hard shell tacos beef and chicken along with a side order or tortilla soup. The gentleman taking the order was kind and answered question recording the food. The food was prepared quickly within 10 minutes.I was very disappointed the tacos shells was soggy due to the abundance of tomatoes and lettuce on top of them. The chicken was old. The soup contain a lot of vegetables and lacked seasoning. The tortilla chips was hard slightly burnt and tasteless. The food was put in the trash for fear of getting sick with old appearing chicken and soggy taco shells. A waste of money and dissatisfaction. It’s been a few years since visiting this location on braeswood and not sure if under new management. It would be nice if food is fresh and better prepared.

Food: 1

Service: 3

We came for lunch on a Friday (holiday week) so it was not busy at all. Everyone was so friendly and the atmosphere was great. I wanted to love the food, but unfortunately I can’t say that I did. We ordered a simple taco plate with beef and the seafood enchiladas.

The ground beef was rather dry and the enchiladas were very salty.

Would not eat here again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Love these guys, I have a great time every time I come here. I’ve been gone for some years. I came back to visit with my God mom and we fell in love with Oby the bartender. The food is always good

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food is decent but the margaritas are really below par. Wish our neighborhood texmex place made a good margarita but at least food is pretty good and staff is always nice and welcoming. Please work on your margarita recipe though!!
2oz tequila
1oz triple sec or cointreau
1.5oz FRESH lime juice or a quality sour mix****

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Visiting Houston from NYC and have been recommended this restaurant by the folks from LA !!! Wow ! The real authenticity and hospitality! Came by 2 days in a row ! The street tacos and enchiladas come in huge portion and really made from scratch, the margaritas are huge , cold and strong ! The chips and hot salsa come free before the meal ! The bartender Obie took great care of me , very friendly , on point with the drinks !
The decor is so cool too! If you are foodie or just looking for the good authentic Mexican food this is the place to be !!!
5 stars !!!!
Ps ask for the in house made spicy sauce ( spicy ) 🌶🌶🌶

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We had the best experience here. Great food, great service! Ask for Johnie and Obie at the bar! They will treat you right and make the best margs!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Lots of delicious options and speedy speedy!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Always great food, service, and family friendly!

Excellent food and service!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My boyfriend and I dined in for the first time since the restaurant is close to home. The food was great, though the service was lacking—our server barely checked in. Despite that, we enjoyed the food enough to give it another try and ordered takeout the second time. Unfortunately, that was a mistake. Not sure if the food had been sitting out too long or what happened, but I became ill shortly after eating and couldn’t keep anything down. Even my boyfriend mentioned the food didn’t taste quite right. Sadly, we haven’t returned since and don’t plan to.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 2

El Ranchero is the best and friendly spot for family and friends. The dishes are delicious and generous!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Very good neighborhood Mexican place. Been there 30 years.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I love their cheese enchiladas! My Mom loves their poblano tostada!